Verb with "+ing" - Gerund in English

In English, verbs that add "-ing" at the beginning of a sentence are known as gerunds. Gerunds are formed by adding "-ing" to the base form of a verb, and they function as nouns in a sentence. Here are some key points to understand about gerunds:

Formation: To create a gerund, simply add "-ing" to the base form of the verb. For example:

Base form: walk ⇒ Gerund: walking

Base form: read ⇒ Gerund: reading

Base form: swim ⇒ Gerund: swimming

Function: Gerunds can serve various functions in a sentence, just like regular nouns. They can be used as subjects, objects, complements, and objects of prepositions.

Subject: Gerunds can act as the subject of a sentence:

Walking is good exercise.

Reading helps improve vocabulary.

Swimming is a fun activity.

Object: Gerunds can function as the object of a verb:

I enjoy hiking in the mountains.

She loves dancing in the rain.

They dislike running long distances.

Complement: Gerunds can serve as subject complements, which rename or describe the subject:

His favorite hobby is painting.

The best part of the trip was exploring new places.

The most enjoyable activity is singing karaoke.

Object of prepositions: Gerunds can act as objects of prepositions:

She is interested in learning new languages.

They spent the afternoon playing soccer.

He succeeded by working hard.

It's important to note that gerunds should not be confused with present participles, which also end in "-ing" but serve as verb forms used in continuous tenses (e.g., "I am walking") or as adjectives (e.g., "the running water"). Gerunds, on the other hand, function as nouns in the sentence.